What is the difference between prophylaxis and periodontal prophylaxis?
Prophylaxis (ADA code #1110) is a routine cleaning. It includes scaling and polishing of teeth with normal periodontium (gun attachment and bone support). Periodontal Maintenance Procedures (ADA code #4910) are maintenance procedures which are often necessary for those patients who have treatment for periodontal problems such as gum disease or pyorrhea and require follow up care. These follow up appointments are not the same as a routine cleaning. It is a more extensive scaling process. There is a scheduled co-payment for this procedure.
